The Self Directed Support Scotland vision is “A Scotland where quality Self-directed Support is available to all as a route to Independent Living”. Our mission is “to work collaboratively to incorporate local Independent Support in every aspect of social care design and delivery, ensuring the needs and views of people accessing social care support and their support networks are valued and represented.”

SDSS is a Disabled People’s Organisation, a key partner in Scotland’s Independent Living Movement. We implement SDS policy and legislation at a national, strategic level, with responsibility for chairing major national forums. We also champion local Independent Support Organisations who provide quality advice and support for accessing Self-directed Support (SDS). We have a rapidly growing membership of independent and Disabled People’s Organisations and we aim to widen their influence in improving social care outcomes for disabled people and social care users.

Our focus in recruitment is to find the right people first, and look at how the team can be built around the skills and experience of those who have passion and connection to user led organisations, issues in social care or the liberating ethos of the social model of disability.

The Communication and Policy Manager role is pivotal to delivery of our mission, taking the lead in policy implementation and development that involves coordination across strategic partners in Scottish Government, public and third sectors. All applicants will have confidence in contributing to and delivering our communication strategy across a wide range of events and media, including accessible formats and know how to articulate complex issues and positively engage our member organisations. They should also be able to manage staff and support the wider team to deliver national events.

To attract maximum remuneration our Communications and Policy Manager would have experience in policy work specifically an understanding of Scottish social care reform. This would include SDS Improvement, Care Reform and the Personal Assistant workforce. This role has the potential to direct SDSS in its strategy and delivery and must represent SDSS confidently in these areas.